The Baltimore Ravens have been interested in adding a wide receiver this offseason. They at least inquired about Kenny Golladay and gave a significant offer to JuJu Smith-Schuster, but failed to land either pass catcher. Now the Ravens will take a shot at another free-agent wide receiver, bringing in Sammy Watkins for a visit, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
It’s a choice that makes quite a bit of sense. As I noted in our preview of the best wide receivers still remaining, Baltimore needs an outside possession receiver to match with Marquise Brown’s deep speed and tight end Mark Andrews’ ability to control the middle of the field. While Watkins hasn’t lived up to his star potential, he’s been a very serviceable player in that exact role for the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs throughout his seven-year career.
Watkins also has some connections in Baltimore that could draw his interest even more. The Ravens hired Keith Williams, who has been Watkins’ personal coach before, to be their new pass-game specialist. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Watkins were paired together in Buffalo for two seasons, including 2015 which was Watkins’ best season of his career, catching 60 passes for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns.
Fans, analysts, and even former players have been critical of the Ravens’ run-first offensive philosophy this offseason. Though the position is often one of the top needs every single offseason, having former MVP Lamar Jackson under center only highlighted Baltimore’s lack of top talent at the position. While Watkins isn’t the biggest name on the market this offseason, the Ravens’ attempts to give Jackson another premier pass-catcher is notable.
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